After exploring the vibrant city of Seoul, you may be excited to explore South Korea and travel beyond just the capital. Located an hour from the city lies the hidden gem of Gyeonggi-do, one of South Korea's best-kept secrets.
If you haven't heard of Gyeonggi province, well - now you are familiar with it! Despite its close proximity to Seoul, this province feels like a world apart, offering a distinct atmosphere.
Start on a journey to Gyeonggi-do, where more memorable experiences await, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban energy of central Seoul. From tranquil landscapes to cultural richness, Gyeonggi-do invites you to uncover its secrets and create lasting memories just a short distance from the vibrant heartbeat of the capital city.
Moving around Gyeonggi-do
Visiting some of the attractions might be hard without a car. Image credits to Klook
Essentially, Gyeonggi-do is the province that surrounds Seoul, situated just 30 minutes to 1.5 hours away from the capital, and getting to Gyeonggi-do is pretty straightforward, offering various transportation options to suit your preferences.
One option is to hire a private car so you can have the freedom to explore Gyeonggi-do extensively. Whether for your day trip or a week's visit, travelling around the province is more convenient with a car.
Alternatively, you can book one of the many Gyeonggi-do day tours available on Klook. Simply choose from these Tours and sightseeing in Gyeonggi-do. If you are watching your budget, you can also take the shuttle bus to visit the most popular attractions.
When venturing closer to Seoul, like the Onemount parks, the subway, coupled with a T-Money card, is a convenient and cost-effective choice. Secure your T-Money card through Klook, whether it's the Mobile Korea Tour Card or Klook T-Money Pick up and Delivery. Explore Gyeonggi-do seamlessly with these flexible transportation alternatives.
Klook your T-Money card: Klook T-Money Pick up and Delivery.
Things to do in Gyeonggi-do
This place has loads of cultural sights, exciting activities, incredible scenery, and more. So whether this is your first time or you’re a regular South Korean visitor, Gyeonggi-do needs to be on your itinerary. For a fresh take on the city – these are some Gyeonggi-do go-tos.
- Everland - The best theme park in Korea!
- Korean Folk Village - Experience a true Korea here!
- Visit the vibrant Gwangmyeong Cave
- Slide around the Onemount Snow Park
- The Garden of Morning Calm - A perfect place for photo op!
- Visit North Korea with this DMZ Tour
- Seoul Grand Park - Visit the furry friends and more!
- Caribbean Bay - No pirates here, just a fun-filled water world!
- Petit France Village - A small French village near Seoul
- Eobi Ice Valley - A real-life Frozen!
- Visit Hwaseong Fortress - A Unesco World Heritage Site
Things to do in Gyeonggi-do
1. Everland - The best theme park in Korea!
Everland or Neverland? Both are amazing! Image credits to @amelia_tantono on Instagram
Guess what? Gyeonggi-do is home to the tourist hotspot Everland, which is one of South Korea's biggest theme parks. Here, you will find exhilarating rides, exciting wildlife and safari zones, picturesque gardens, and much more. This theme park has something for everyone.
If you're a thrill-seeker, the T-Express is right up your alley. As the world's steepest wooden roller-coaster, this ride is guaranteed to knock the wind right out of you! Make sure you stay here until the end of the night to catch a parade and some fireworks. That'll bring a real bang to your evening.
To make your visit easy – complete your day at Everland with a round-trip transfer from Seoul and skip the queue.
Driving there yourself? Klook your Everland Ticket (QR Code Direct Entry).
2. Korean Folk Village - Experience a true Korea here!
A perfect photo spot for Korean holidays. Image credits to @8ak8ak on Instagram
Also known as Minsokchon, the Korean Folk Village is home to 270 real houses hailing from the Joseon dynasty. Because these houses from different parts of the country have been relocated and restored, you can get a glimpse of traditional life in the country.
Immerse in the culture by wearing traditional Korean outfits and participating in a wide variety of folk activities. It is basically a small cultural center in Korea.
As well as a historical gem, it’s also the filming location for much-loved K-dramas like My Love from the Star (2013), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), and the ever-popular Dae Jang Geum (2003). It was also featured in the recent Netflix hit series Kingdom (2019).
Every day, you can catch the daily folk village performance at 11.30 am, with a wedding reenactment at 1 pm. To avoid the crowds and the local students on school trips, time your visit for late afternoon. Visit the village on a day tour or self-drive and customise your trip.
Going solo? Klook your Korean Folk Village Admission Ticket.
3. Visit the vibrant Gwangmyeong Cave
Can you guess what’s inside? A theme park! Image credits to @electricalengineer0719 on Instagram
This is no ordinary cave. It’s not the dark, damp, narrow space you’re thinking of. Once known as the Siheung Mine, it was once South Korea’s largest metal mine for decades. Even more intriguing, it became a shelter during the Korean War.
In recent years, Gwangmyeong Cave has reopened as… wait for it… a theme park inside a mine. You can’t make this stuff up! As you walk through the different sections, learn more about the history of the cave.
Have your camera ready – you’ll get a pretty cool selfie amidst the shimmering LED lights. It gets quite cold in the cave too, so don’t forget your jacket. Make a day of it with the Hwadam Forest & Gwangmyeong Cave & Ice Cream Making Experience from Seoul.
4. Slide around the Onemount Snow Park
Winter dreams. Image credits to @onemount_snowpark on Instagram
Less than an hour from Seoul, you’ll find this place. Here, you can experience both winter and summer all year round. Come and experience the Onemount Snow Park, a winter wonderland where you can skate, slide around, or just enjoy the cold air. Channel your inner child as you slide around in supermarket trolleys.
You can also opt for a ride on the dog sled; the adorable huskies will take you around the snow park! It’s a barking ride! Onemount Water Park, on the other hand, is the place for all things wet. Enjoy some thrilling water rides, soak in one of the pools, or lounge on beach chairs.
Did you know the famous Korean reality show, Running Man, was filmed here? It’s wall-to-wall watery fun!
5. The Garden of Morning Calm - A perfect place for a photo op!
Imagine waking up surrounded by flowers! Image credits to @kimvo97 on Instagram
This gorgeous garden in Gyeonggi-do is very picturesque and photogenic. While it’s the place to be in spring when the flowers have sprung or autumn when the leaves put on a colourful display, the Garden of Morning Calm is exceptional all year round.
And if you’re here in winter, check out the magical light festival! See over 5,000 plant species, including some rare or endangered ones. These vibrant blooms and well-manicured gardens are separated into different areas and themes. You’ll easily spend hours in this beautiful green space.
6. Visit North Korea with this DMZ Tour
Fascinating politics. Image credits to Klook
Did you know that you can discover North Korea from the southern part of the peninsula is a possibility without crossing borders?
The DMZ Tour provides you with an opportunity to have a sneak peek into the mysterious land of North Korea. DMZ stands for De-militarised Zone, a border that separates the north and the south of the peninsula. It stands as one of the most heavily armed regions globally, offering profound insights into North Korean history and the Korean War.
If you have an interest in the historical context and the separation of the peninsula, joining the DMZ Tour allows you to closely examine the extensive history shared between the two nations. This journey of exploration and education is exclusively accessible through participation in a private or group tour.
This tour starts at the Memorial Tower of Baengmagoji Battlefield and Memorial Museum. Going further, the tour takes you to the Goseokjeong National Tourist Area, where you can savour traditional Korean table d'hote lunch while enjoying the beautiful views of Cheorwon.
You will visit the 2nd Tunnel, Cheorwon Peace Observatory, Woljeong-ri Station, and more. As you ascend the Cheorwon Peace Observatory, witness a panoramic view of the demilitarised zone that separates South and North Korea.
Oh ya, the infamous 2nd Tunnel was once used by North Koreans for infiltrating South Korea until its discovery in 1975. This comprehensive tour promises not just adventure but also an insightful journey into the history and geography that define the Korean Peninsula.
7. Seoul Grand Park - Visit the furry friends and more!
The colourful flora and fauna! Image credits to @luna_pic20 on Instagram
Stretching across an enormous space that's even bigger than 900 football fields, the Seoul Grand Park is not just one park but a bunch of different theme parks. Among these, the most famous are the Seoul Grand Park Zoo and Seoul Land.
But did you know that they're not actually located in Seoul? Yup, they are in Gyeonggi-do!
If you want to explore the largest zoo in South Korea, head to Seoul Zoo. It's like a home for more than 3,700 animals from over 330 species, all the way from different parts of the world. A true safari ride!
You can meet a bunch of animals like lions, giraffes, elephants, and even peaceful creatures like birds and dolphins. And guess what? There are some animals on the endangered list, too, like the lowland gorillas.
Ahh just look at the adorable face! Image credits to @sasapan34 on Instagram
Now, let's talk about Seoul Land, the amusement park that will make your heart race. It's divided into five areas, each with its own theme. So, whether you're a little kid looking for fun rides or a thrill-seeker in search of an adrenaline rush, there's something for everyone.
And the best part? It's all surrounded by beautiful scenery. Before you pack your bags for this adventure, make sure to grab your Seoul Land and Seoul Zoo Admission Ticket from Klook. It's like a ticket to a whole world of excitement!
8. Caribbean Bay - No pirates here, just a fun-filled water world!
A splashing good time. Image credits to @pdh6182 on Instagram
Looking for a more fun activity with your fam?
Dive into the water world of fun with your pals and family at Caribbean Bay! It's like a paradise for those who love the thrill, with super cool slides like Mega Storm and Aqualoop!
You can drop by during different seasons, enjoying outdoor pools in the summer and cozy indoor pools in the winter. And it's not just about swimming and rides; you can chill in warm, hot spring waters, lazily float along the indoor river, take on daring 2.4-meter waves, and so much more.
If you are a true K-pop fan, you must remember this is the featured place in the music video of Cabi Song. Oh, Cabi Cabi, in crazy crazy!
Yep, Caribbean Bay is shouting out loud with excitement and enjoyment! It's a splashing good time waiting for you.
9. Petit France Village - A small French village near Seoul
Visiting France in Korea? Image credits to @hanju0805 on Instagram
Petite France stands as a charming French cultural village located in Gyeonggi-do province, designed with the elements of "flowers, stars, and the Little Prince." The village not only provides a picturesque setting but also offers engaging experience programs, comprehensive training facilities, and comfortable accommodations.
Among the attractions within the village is a dedicated memorial hall honoring Saint-Exupery, the author of the timeless French novel Le Petit Prince (1943). Visitors can explore the Orgel House, where a 200-year-old music box plays enchanting melodies and a French housing exhibition.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate a gallery showcasing sculptures and paintings of le coq gaulois (the Gallic rooster), France's national symbol. Numerous other galleries and shops within the area allow visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrancy of French culture.
It looks like the real-life movie Luca! Image credits to @hanju0805 on Instagram
Also, there is an Italian town called 'Pinocchio and da Vinci,' which is an upgraded theme park based on the operational experience of Petite France over the past 13 years.
Based on the name of the town, the main theme revolves around Pinocchio - a fairy tale character loved by people around the world, umm.. the one with an elongated nose when his father spots him lying, I believe most of us know, oh and also Leonardo da Vinci, a genius born by the Renaissance.
Sounds exciting?
10. Eobi Ice Valley - A real-life Frozen!
Hey Elsa, do you want to build a snowman? Image crdits to @chin_cc0310 on Instagram
Eobi Ice Valley is a valley situated at the foothills of Eobi Mountain, positioned between Mount Yongmun and Mount Yumyeong. It is located in Gapyeong-gun, a district in Gyeonggi Province, and is known for its proximity to Seoul and iconic attractions such as Nami Island, Petite French Village, and Garden of Morning Calm.
What makes this place unique is its network of frost pattern formations. If you are starting an exploration of the valley, don't be surprised by its mesmerising panorama, it is like you are stuck in the Frozen movie.
With morning sunlight, the icy surface glimmers with a captivating spectrum of colors. The towering ice formations and cliffs create a sense of wonder and appreciation towards nature and its surrounding area.
Okay, now let's talk about getting to the valley. To access the park from the main entrance, there is a wooden bridge that spans the gap near the point where the impressive ice wall can be intimately observed.
Do not miss the chance to capture breathtaking photographs from this vantage point, with the magnificent ice valley as a stunning backdrop!
Going deeper into the park reveals a wooden pavilion showcasing traditional Korean Hanok architecture. Take a moment to sit, rest, and relax in the pavilion. Also, take as many photos as you can, as this is another vantage point to marvel at the soaring ice wall, reaching skyward from the pathway below.
11. Visit Hwaseong Fortress - A Unesco World Heritage Site
Living in the past! Image credits to @bobby_fett on Instagram
Hwaseong Fortress is a stone and brick fortress of the Joseon Dynasty that surrounds the centre of Suwon City, in Gyeonggi-do Province
It was build in the late 18th century when King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty decided to relocate his father's tomb to Suwon. Not only did he move the tomb, but he also took extra steps to protect it.
To make sure everything was super secure, he called upon a military architect who was pretty big in the game during that time. This architect was all about combining the newest and coolest military strategies from the East and the West.
Can you imagine massive walls that stretch out for almost 6 kilometres? Yupp, that's how serious King Jeongjo was about securing his father's resting place.
These walls aren't just walls; they've got four gates, bastions, artillery towers, and all kinds of other cool features. It's like a fortress that stands as a testament to the fusion of cutting-edge military knowledge from different parts of the world.
And the best part? These walls are still standing tall, telling the tale of a king who meant business when it came to protecting his legacy.
Now you can be part of the past, well - in a picture of course!
Get the best of Gyeonggi-do via this tour
Looking to find more hidden gems?
Visit Gyeonggi-do and create unforgettable memories there! Image credits to Klook
For a day-long excursion to the beautiful province of Gyeonggi-do, book one of these tours from Klook and get the best value for your little trip to the province! Gyeonggi-do makes for a fab day out.
Updated by: Zulqarnain Yusoff
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